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American Education Summit 2026 - BrainLift

Owner(s)​

Gary Sheng

Purpose​

To architect and execute an ultra-exclusive, invitation-only summit that establishes Alpha Schools and TimeBack at the center of American education's future while facilitating a $1B fundraising opportunity. This summit leverages FOMO dynamics, patriotic framing ahead of America's 250th anniversary, and strategic convening power to shape narratives, attract international investment, and build an America First education coalition - all while maintaining Alpha's control through sole founding sponsorship without explicit organizational ownership.

In Scope​

  • Ultra-exclusive 150-person invite-only summit at UT Austin during Spring Break (March 18-20, 2026)
  • $1B TimeBack fundraising as primary hidden objective
  • America First/patriotic education narrative aligned with federal priorities and 250th anniversary
  • International investors and funders seeking stakes in American education innovation
  • Trump administration and family as key invitees
  • Single founding sponsor model (Alpha Schools as sole funder)
  • Post-SXSW EDU timing to leverage visitor momentum
  • UT Austin facilities partnership through Joe Liemandt's relationships
  • High-FOMO positioning ("like meeting the Pope")
  • Strategic narrative control without explicit Alpha branding

Out of Scope​

  • International delegations seeking to shape American education (replaced with investors)
  • Paid registration or tickets (pure invitation-only)
  • Multiple sponsor complexity (Year 1 is Alpha-only)
  • Speaker fees or travel costs (invitation is the compensation)
  • Traditional conference infrastructure (no app, no mass marketing)
  • Politically correct global cooperation themes (America First focus)
  • Public/open sessions (all discussions private/controlled)

DOK4 - SPOV (Spiky Points of View)​

SPOV #1: Alpha Architecting Its Own Summit Is 10x Higher Leverage Than Sponsoring Existing Events​

Existing education conferences have entrenched interests, diluted messaging, and established hierarchies that prevent Alpha's polarizing vision from dominating the narrative. By creating the American Education Summit from scratch, Alpha controls every variable: the invite list, the themes, the speakers, the outcomes. This isn't about debating education's future - it's about uniting people already aligned with Alpha's vision and ready to move. The $850K investment to control an entire narrative ecosystem is infinitely more valuable than being one of many sponsors at ASU+GSV or SXSW EDU where Alpha's message gets lost in the noise.

SPOV #2: Free Attendance at Exclusive Events Creates Higher Value Than Premium Pricing​

Following the Vatican model (where Gary recently attended), the summit should cost $0 to attend because ACCESS is the gift and presence is the honor. When billionaires can't buy their way in, when invitation is the only currency, the perceived value skyrockets. This isn't generosity - it's strategic scarcity. The Vatican doesn't charge admission because being invited signals you matter. Similarly, our summit's value proposition isn't the content or networking - it's the validation that you're one of 150 people architecting America's educational future. The FOMO this creates is worth more than any ticket revenue.

SPOV #3: "American Education Summit" Branding Is Strategic Patriotic Positioning​

Naming it the "American Education Summit" (not just "Education Summit") is deliberate narrative warfare. This frames Alpha as essential to America's future - to America 2.0 for the next 250 years. Coming months before the 250th anniversary, the summit asks: "What do we want America's future to be? Why is education necessary for that?" This patriotic wrapper makes the event about national greatness, not corporate interests. It allows Alpha to hide in plain sight as the architect while appearing to serve a higher cause. International investors aren't funding Alpha - they're investing in American excellence.

SPOV #4: High-Status Attendee Concentration Creates Investment FOMO​

Bringing 150 ultra-high-status people together - including sovereign wealth funds, Trump family members, state governors - creates the psychological conditions necessary for billion-dollar commitments. When a Saudi PIF representative sees Tiger Global, Blackstone, and SoftBank Vision Fund all evaluating TimeBack in the same room, the fear of missing the deal intensifies. This isn't a pitch - it's orchestrated investment theater where being left out of the TimeBack round means missing "the next American education unicorn." The summit manufactures urgency through proximity.

SPOV #5: Sole Founding Sponsorship Provides Maximum Control With Exit Optionality​

Having Alpha as the single founding sponsor (rather than multiple sponsors) provides clean control while maintaining plausible deniability. If the summit succeeds, Alpha gets full credit as the visionary founder. If it fails or becomes controversial, Alpha was "just the sponsor" of an independent initiative. This structure avoids the complexity of managing multiple sponsor interests while giving Joe Liemandt complete control over every strategic decision. The $850K investment is trivial compared to the narrative control and fundraising potential it unlocks.

DOK3 - Insights​

Insight #1: Exclusive Events Generate 10x More Value Per Attendee Than Open Conferences​

Analysis of elite gatherings (Sun Valley, Bilderberg, Davos) shows that limiting attendance to 100-200 carefully selected individuals creates conditions for billion-dollar deals that would never emerge at 5,000-person conferences. The Sun Valley Conference has facilitated mergers worth hundreds of billions (Disney-ABC, Bezos-Washington Post) precisely because decision-makers feel safe having candid conversations. Our 150-person cap ensures every conversation is high-stakes and every attendee is investment-relevant.

Insight #2: FOMO Marketing Triggers Predictable Psychological Responses​

Research confirms humans assign higher value to scarce resources (scarcity principle) and desire what they cannot have. When the summit is positioned as invitation-only with no public access, three things happen: (1) invitees feel honored and are more likely to attend, (2) those not invited generate buzz trying to gain access, (3) media coverage intensifies because exclusivity creates intrigue. The summit's value increases specifically because it's inaccessible.

Insight #3: Patriotic Education Framing Aligns With Federal Policy Momentum​

The Trump administration's America 250 Civics Coalition and push for "patriotic education" creates a favorable policy environment for our summit. With the Department of Education explicitly funding programs that "celebrate American ideals," our "American Education Summit" positioning rides this wave. This isn't opportunistic - it's strategic alignment with the most powerful education policy forces in 2025-2026.

Insight #4: UT Austin Partnership Reduces Costs By 50% While Increasing Prestige​

Leveraging Joe Liemandt's relationships to secure UT Austin facilities during Spring Break provides premier venues at educational rates (50-70% discount) while adding institutional credibility. This saves $400K+ versus comparable commercial venues while positioning the summit at a prestigious university rather than a hotel. The academic setting reinforces seriousness while the cost savings improve unit economics.

Insight #5: Post-SXSW Timing Captures International Visitors Already in Austin​

Scheduling immediately after SXSW EDU (March 9-12) means international education leaders and investors are already in Austin. This reduces their incremental travel burden while positioning our summit as the "exclusive gathering after the public conference." Those who attend SXSW EDU for broad networking then attend our summit for actual deals. The contrast - 10,000 people at SXSW versus 150 at our summit - amplifies exclusivity.

Insight #6: TimeBack's Billion-Dollar Narrative Requires Orchestrated Investment Theater​

A $1B raise doesn't happen through cold pitches - it requires social proof, competitive dynamics, and urgency. By concentrating 30-40 international investors in one room with TimeBack as the centerpiece, we create investment FOMO. When sovereign wealth funds see venture capitals circling, when family offices see strategics interested, the fear of missing out accelerates commitment. The summit is designed as a fundraising catalyst disguised as an education forum.

DOK3 - Blueprints​

Summit Execution Blueprint​

Pre-Summit (November 2025 - March 2026)

  1. Establish Organizing Structure

    • Create simple LLC
    • Ensure separation from Alpha while maintaining control
    • Set up banking and contracts infrastructure

  2. Curate Invitation List

    • Start with 300 targets to yield 150 attendees
    • Categories: Government (40-50), Investors (30-40), Innovators (30-40), Corporates (20-30), Media (15-20)
    • Personal outreach from Joe Liemandt for top 50 targets

  3. Lock Venue Partnership

    • Secure UT Austin facilities through Joe's relationships
    • Target spaces: Bass Concert Hall, AT&T Conference Center, UT Club
    • Negotiate educational rates and Spring Break availability

  4. Design FOMO Campaign

    • No public website initially - invitation only
    • Leverage December "save the date" to build mystique
    • Strategic leaks to education media about exclusive gathering

  5. Coordinate with Federal Allies

    • Connect with America 250 Civics Coalition
    • Potentially invite Linda McMahon or AFPI leadership
    • Align messaging with patriotic education initiatives

During Summit (March 18-20, 2026)

  1. Day 1 - Wednesday

    • Afternoon: Registration and orientation
    • 4pm: Opening keynote "American Education Dominance: The Next 250 Years"
    • Evening: Inaugural dinner with controlled seating (strategic proximity)
    • After dinner: Private receptions for inner circle

  2. Day 2 - Thursday

    • Morning: Plenary on "America First Education"
    • Breakout sessions mixing investors with operators
    • Afternoon: TimeBack demo and investment pitch
    • Evening: Gala with patriotic imagery and messaging

  3. Day 3 - Friday

    • Morning: Leaders' Breakfast (Joe hosting key investors)
    • Late morning: "Exporting American Excellence" session
    • Afternoon: Closing lunch with public commitments
    • Optional: Alpha Schools tours for serious investors

Post-Summit Follow-Up

  1. Immediate (24-48 hours)

    • Thank you messages with professional photos
    • Strike while relationships are warm
    • Schedule follow-up meetings for TimeBack investment

  2. Week 1

    • Coordinate media release of select outcomes
    • Publish attendee list to generate FOMO for next year
    • Begin closing TimeBack investment commitments

  3. Month 1

    • Formalize partnerships announced at summit
    • Begin planning for 2027 summit
    • Build waitlist for next year (500+ target)

Investment Orchestration Blueprint​

Creating TimeBack Investment Theater

  1. Pre-Summit Investor Priming

    • Send TimeBack executive summary to qualified investors
    • Frame summit as "exclusive first look"
    • Create scarcity: "Limited allocation available"

  2. On-Site Investment Activities

    • Dedicated TimeBack demo room with 30-minute slots
    • Investment suite for private discussions
    • Strategic scheduling: Ensure major funds overlap

  3. Social Proof Engineering

    • Arrange for 2-3 "anchor investors" to signal interest publicly
    • Have Joe mention "overwhelming investor interest" in keynote
    • Create visible meetings between Joe and major funds

  4. Closing Acceleration

    • Offer "summit special terms" expiring in 30 days
    • Leverage competitive dynamics: "Fund X is taking $50M"
    • Target: 10+ investment commitments totaling $200M+

FOMO Generation Blueprint​

  1. Invitation Strategy

    • Send physical invitations (not email) on premium paper
    • Include personal note from Joe Liemandt
    • Deadline to RSVP creates urgency

  2. Information Scarcity

    • No detailed agenda until arrival
    • Chatham House Rule for discussions
    • Mystery speakers announced day-of

  3. Social Amplification

    • Designated photo opportunities with summit branding
    • Encourage LinkedIn posts about being invited
    • Media partnerships for selective coverage

  4. Waitlist Management

    • Publicly acknowledge 500+ person waitlist
    • Strategic last-minute invitations to generate gratitude
    • Use waitlist for next year's early commits

Experts​

Patriotic Civics & America-First Education Policy​

Linda McMahon

  • Who: 13th U.S. Secretary of Education; founding chairwoman of America First Policy Institute
  • Focus: Expanding universal school choice, promoting patriotic civics through America 250 push
  • Why Follow: Political and symbolic face of current federal "patriotic education" agenda
  • Where: U.S. Department of Education, AFPI, Education Week coverage

Katie Gorka

  • Who: Executive Director of America 250 Civics Education Coalition at AFPI
  • Focus: Coordinating "renewing patriotism" programs with 40+ conservative partners
  • Why Follow: Architecting official America-250 civics coalition playbook
  • Where: AFPI's America 250 Coalition page, op-eds on patriotic education

Larry P. Arnn

  • Who: President of Hillsdale College; intellectual force behind classical education movement
  • Focus: Constitution-centric education, founding principles, independence from federal funding
  • Why Follow: Provides intellectual backbone for America-First education narrative
  • Where: Hillsdale College, Imprimis essays, conservative education conferences

EdTech Innovation & Capital​

Michael Moe

  • Who: Founder/CEO of GSV; co-founder of ASU+GSV Summit
  • Focus: "Global Silicon Valley" thesis, education as next internet-scale sector
  • Why Follow: Built the "Davos of EdTech" - studying ASU+GSV helps design our summit
  • Where: ASU+GSV Summit materials, GSV Ventures, education investment talks

Jennifer Carolan

  • Who: Co-founder and GP at Reach Capital, top early-stage EdTech fund
  • Focus: K-12 learning tech, AI in education, where smart money is flowing
  • Why Follow: Perspective on what's fundable at scale, helpful for TimeBack positioning
  • Where: Reach Capital blog, The Wire newsletter, SXSW EDU appearances

Amit A. Patel

  • Who: Co-founder and Managing Partner at Owl Ventures (world's largest EdTech VC)
  • Focus: Growth-stage EdTech, global scaling, helping companies reach international markets
  • Why Follow: Pattern recognition on what scales and exits - directly relevant to $1B raise
  • Where: Owl Ventures site, ASU+GSV panels, LinkedIn thought leadership

FOMO Summits & High-Status Convenings​

Klaus Schwab

  • Who: Founder of World Economic Forum; architect of the Davos model
  • Focus: Multi-stakeholder convenings, using events as global agenda-setting platforms
  • Why Follow: Davos is the canonical example of turning an event into a symbol of relevance
  • Where: WEF materials, books on Fourth Industrial Revolution, Davos playbook analyses

Charlotte M. Farmer

  • Who: COO of UL Research Institutes; expert on "borrowing from Davos playbook"
  • Focus: Translating Davos principles into high-level executive events
  • Why Follow: Literally teaches how to create FOMO and measure summit impact
  • Where: Conference talks on Davos playbook, event design publications

Event Architecture & Execution​

Gary Sheng

  • Who: Serial community builder and event architect with proven track record
  • Focus: High-caliber unconventional gatherings that create lasting impact
  • Why Follow: Demonstrated ability to execute complex multi-stakeholder events
  • Recent Successes:
    • ZuConnect Istanbul (2023): 300+ participants, 2-week popup community
    • Edge City Denver (2024): 3,000 participants, 7-day innovation convergence
    • Edge Esmeralda (2024): 1,300 participants, month-long pop-up village
    • Alpha Schools presents the First Supper (April 2025): 100+ influencers with 1-week notice
  • Where: Personal reflections on event design, community building writings

Brooke Joy

  • Who: 20-year experiential marketing veteran; former Victoria's Secret Pink director
  • Focus: Multi-sensory, emotionally resonant experiences for high-stakes events
  • Why Follow: Brings Fortune 500 execution standards to summit design
  • Where: Austin-based, accessible through Gary's network

DOK2 - Knowledge Trees​

Exclusive Summits and FOMO Strategy​

Category Summary​

Ultra-exclusive, invite-only events are proven to attract high-profile leaders and create intense FOMO. By limiting access and hand-picking attendees, summits signal that only the most relevant people are "in the room," increasing perceived value exponentially. This approach ensures power brokers attend (they gravitate to exclusive peer gatherings) while generating buzz and media interest. Making the summit feel like a "private audience with the Pope" - something money can't buy - elevates status, draws top participants, and amplifies impact.

Sources​

"12 Most Exclusive and Expensive Conferences in the World" - Christel Payseng (2021)

DOK2 Summary: Surveys elite conferences (Davos, Sun Valley) explaining why influential people only gather at highly exclusive events. Validates that exclusivity is essential to attract world leaders and billionaires - money alone isn't sufficient for access.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Elite leaders "don't hang out in usual places" - only premium invite-only conferences enable meaningful connections
  • World Economic Forum requires >$1B company revenue for invitation, costs $70K-250K per delegate
  • High-profile figures attend specifically because access is restricted, not despite it
  • Quality of interactions at exclusive events far exceeds open conferences

Initial Insights: Making the summit invitation-only with no paid admissions follows this proven playbook. The 150-person cap filters for quality and creates mystique that "if you're not invited, you don't matter." Even billionaires being unable to buy access generates powerful aspiration and FOMO.

Link: Medium - The Daily Shroom

"Invite Only Events: The Power of Scarcity Marketing" - C. Isenhour (2023)

DOK2 Summary: Explores psychology of exclusivity and tactics for high-impact invite-only events. Confirms scarcity principle drives value perception and provides practical implementation strategies.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Limiting access "transforms standard gatherings into coveted experiences"
  • Humans psychologically desire what they cannot have - exclusivity drives value
  • 50 highly engaged attendees generate more value than 500 random participants
  • Invite-only triggers belonging (for invited) and FOMO (for excluded)

Initial Insights: Hand-picking 150 power brokers ensures every attendee contributes meaningfully. Exclusivity becomes the narrative - attendees share their invitation status while others discuss who made the list. Layered exclusivity (VIP dinners within summit) deepens FOMO.

Link: Experiential Events Group

Event-Driven PR & Narrative Shaping​

Category Summary​

High-profile summits serve as PR platforms that shape industry narratives and catalyze major deals. By assembling the right people with powerful framing, organizers control sector narratives while attracting investment. Historical examples show exclusive gatherings often become deal-making hubs where billion-dollar commitments quietly emerge.

Sources​

Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference - Wikipedia

DOK2 Summary: Annual invite-only "billionaire summer camp" where media/tech moguls gather. Demonstrates how exclusivity and seclusion foster networks and facilitate major business deals.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Private one-week retreat for political figures, business leaders, philanthropists since 1983
  • Known as "summer camp for billionaires" - informal setting enables deals
  • Disney-ABC merger (1996) and Bezos's Washington Post purchase (2013) initiated at Sun Valley
  • Concentration of decision-makers in relaxed setting accelerates partnerships

Initial Insights: Summit should facilitate informal interactions (dinners, campus tours) where commitments form. True value happens off-stage through orchestrated proximity. Joe Liemandt becomes education's Herbert Allen by convening consequential conversations.

Link: Wikipedia - Sun Valley Conference

Bilderberg Meeting - InfluenceWatch

DOK2 Summary: Details famous invitation-only summit known for secrecy and influential attendees. Shows how controlled private meetings shape policy while generating mystique through exclusivity.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Annual conference of ~130 elite individuals from North America and Europe
  • Chatham House Rule enables candid dialogue "free from public opinion"
  • Secretive nature generates public intrigue and media speculation
  • Publishes attendee list but keeps discussions confidential

Initial Insights: Employing Chatham House Rule allows politicians and investors to speak openly about bold ideas. External speculation about closed-door discussions amplifies prestige. Post-event, release select highlights while keeping specifics private.

Link: InfluenceWatch - Bilderberg

Patriotic Framing in Education Policy​

Category Summary​

Strong "America First" education policy momentum provides favorable environment for patriotic summit framing. Trump administration's explicit push for patriotic education through America 250 Coalition creates natural alignment. This isn't opportunistic but strategic synchronization with federal priorities and public discourse approaching the 250th anniversary.

Sources​

U.S. Dept. of Education - "America 250 Civics Coalition Launch" (Sept 2025)

DOK2 Summary: Announces federal coalition with 40+ organizations to "renew patriotism" in schools for 250th anniversary. Direct evidence that summit narrative aligns with highest government priorities.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Department of Education partnered with AFPI and 40+ organizations for patriotic education
  • Initiative explicitly aims to "renew patriotism" and "strengthen civic knowledge"
  • Partners include Hillsdale College, Turning Point USA, Heritage Foundation
  • Federal funding now favors programs celebrating American ideals

Initial Insights: Federal backing provides favorable environment for summit. Invite coalition leaders to strengthen credibility. Echo terminology ("renewing patriotism," "founding principles") to align with movement. Summit becomes education pillar of administration priorities.

Link: U.S. Department of Education

"Ed. Dept. Will Emphasize 'Patriotic Education' in Grants" - Education Week (Sept 2025)

DOK2 Summary: Neutral coverage of federal patriotic education push, confirming policy shift and providing context on political dynamics and stakeholder reactions.

DOK1 Facts:

  • Trump administration championed "patriotic education" since first term
  • Federal grants now explicitly favor "unifying and uplifting" portrayals of America
  • 20+ states have passed laws aligning with patriotic education approach
  • Initiative continues 1776 Commission goals from Trump's first term

Initial Insights: Summit's "America First Education" narrative resonates with key policymakers and funders. Explicitly tie discussions to 1776 Commission goals and 250 Civics Coalition work. Political winds favor patriotism-themed education summit for extensive media coverage.

Link: Education Week

Implementation Timeline​

Phase 1: Foundation & Launch (November - December 2025)​

  • November: Finalize Alpha funding, establish entity, lock UT venues, prioritize invitation list
  • December Week 1: Send first wave to top 100 targets (7-day RSVP deadline)
  • December Week 2: First responses due, send second wave based on availability
  • December Week 3-4: Third wave if needed, drive year-end confirmations
  • By Dec 31: 100+ confirmations locked

Phase 2: Lock Details (January 2026)​

  • Week 1: Launch website with momentum
  • Week 2: Finalize speakers and program
  • Week 3: Close remaining invites, activate waitlist
  • Week 4: Complete vendor contracts
  • By Jan 31: 150 confirmed, 200+ waitlist

Phase 3: Final Preparations (February-March 17, 2026)​

  • Manage stragglers and VIP additions
  • Brief speakers and prepare materials
  • Complete TimeBack investment deck
  • March 1-17: SXSW media activation

Phase 5: Execution (March 18-20, 2026)​

  • Run summit with flawless execution
  • Capture media and social proof

Phase 6: Post-Event (March 21-April 30, 2026)​

  • Help close TimeBack investment round
  • Help operationalize commitments and partnerships
  • Announce summit outcomes strategically
  • Document playbook for annual franchise

Success Metrics​

Primary KPIs​

  • Attendance: 150 confirmed attendees (90%+ show rate)
  • Investment: $200M+ TimeBack commitments initiated
  • Media: 5+ major media stories generated
  • NPS: 70+ attendee satisfaction score

Secondary KPIs​

  • Trump administration participation secured
  • 10+ state education leaders attending
  • 20+ sovereign wealth fund/major VC representatives

Document Status: Strategic Brief - Confidential Date: November 16, 2025 Distribution: Limited to Alpha Leadership & Strategic Advisors